Category: Restaurants

We love to share our favorite places and food finds with other people! Here are our favorites from 2018!

Best Bike Trail: Along the Cedar River, whether you are on Ellis Road, going downtown, or on the southwest side of town

The Cedar River as seen from the southwest side bike trails

Best Park for hanging out: Ellis Park. You have the river, the pool, the basketball court, the playgrounds, the golf course, Shakespeare’s Garden, and all the little off-set areas to explore in as you drive around the park grounds.

Best Event or Fair: We loved the Bohemian Betty Flea Market held in September. It was a bit unusual and had really unique items.

Best Pizza: Mellow Mushroom in Coralville (they have a great gluten/dairy/soy free selection!)

Best Burgers: The Map Room

Saigon Burger from the Map Room

Best Non-Burger Sandwich: Voodoo Chicken at Zepplin’s

Best Wings: Quinton’s in Cedar Rapids

Best Mexican Restaurant: El Paraiso The staff is wonderful! We have been coming here for so long they remember us not only in the restaurant, but also out in the community when we see them!

Best Chile Verde: El Pariso (It is spicy!)

Best Wine Bar: Tie between Winestyles and Della Viti. Della Viti is more trendy and you can have partial glasses of wine; Winestyles is more cozy.

Best Beer and Ciders: Parlor City

Best Margaritas: El Paraiso (we love this place!)

Best Martini: White Star Ale House

Best Steakhouse: Rube’s in Montour. Worth.The.Drive.

Best Indoor Place for Kids to Play: Skyzone

Best Outdoor Place for Kids to Play: Cherry Hill and Ellis Parks and Pools

Now that the chilly, gray winter is over, our family FINALLY! got out to ride our bikes on the south side trails in Cedar Rapids. This day was extra special because all four of our kids were able to join us! You see, our oldest boy turns 21 in a few weeks and will be moving on in the world.

Our first stop of the day was at the new restaurant at 302 3rd Ave SW called Local Pour Street Food. The poutine here is delicious! The corn dogs are literally a foot long, the gyros are fantastic, and everything is exactly what you would expect to find from a food truck. Ask them about their secret menu….

Next we rode over to Czech Village and caught the trail over to the Cedar River.

Construction is in progress to expand the Cedar Lake area.

We were excited to see signs posted announcing a new pedestrian bridge that will be built in the near future to allow access across the river. Check out Project Connect CR here to learn more about the “Sleeping Giant” that will be a magnificent addition to the riverfront.

Mt. Trashmore rises in the distance…..

Critters on the trail going out to Tait Cummins Sports Complex.

Photo Credit: JR Lauritsen

All this riding made us thirsty. Gotta stop at Kickstand for a Smith and Forge Cider at 203 14th Ave SE for the adults. (Water and pop for the kiddos!)

After a quick stop at Quentin’s Bar and Grill at 450 1st St SW for some of the best wings in town, we ended our day at Blue 42 (629 Ellis Blvd NW) for burgers and pizza. Seven hours later, we arrived home. Tired, sore, and already planning our next outing. Where should we go next? Leave your suggestions in the comments!

Taste the flavors of the world without even leaving Cedar Rapids. How? Simply by visiting The Map Room! This new pub recently opened up downtown. The atmosphere is warm and cozy inside, almost like stepping into your grandfather’s study. Interesting maps of all kinds hang from the walls. The beer and wine list is well-rounded and is not so long it makes it hard to choose what you would like. Creative craft cocktails are also available. The best-kept secret about this place is how good the burgers are. Oh my goodness, they are awesome!

The Map Room uses locally sourced meat for their burgers. Each one is named after a major city around the world. My husband ordered a New Orleans burger made with mortadella, ham, salami, mozzarella, provolone, and a spicy olive relish. I ordered a Saigon burger topped with ham, mortadella, cucumber, pickled carrots and radish, jalapeños, cilantro, and mayonnaise. It has a bit of a kick to it! One of the most popular burgers served here is the Memphis. The Memphis is topped with American cheese, pulled pork, French-fried onions, pickles, and a house-made BBQ sauce. Gluten-free buns are available. The salads change daily, based on ingredients the chef has available. Broccoli salad was the choice available for us. Some days, a kimchi potato salad is available. I can’t wait to come back and try it!

The New Orleans burger on a gluten-free bun.The Saigon burger on a gluten-free bun.

Not so adventurous when it comes to your food? You also have the choice to build your own burger. If you don’t feel like eating a full meal, you may choose from a variety of appetizers served over fries or crostini bread.

I definitely recommend this place for a unique experience. Curiosity will draw you in, comfort will bring you back. The Map Room is located at 416 3rd St SE in downtown Cedar Rapids (formerly known as Stella’s).